Holy crap! Is the RL really that slow?
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Holy crap! Is the RL really that slow?
Before I got this car I was thinking to myself, "Sure it's as heavy as a small tank, but it's got 300 hp." But dang, this thing is slow! 15.2 seems to be the average 1/4 mile time. Someone tell me I'm dreaming I'm not really mad or anything, I just think it's funny that it's so slow. I think it's making me age prematurely.
#2
???Didn't you test drive the car before you bought it???
During my test drive I drove it hard to understand the on-ramp performance, turning capability and braking distance (among other things), that way I wouldn't be surprised after I bought it.
This is definately not a car for the track, but you may be able to get a little faster if you use the manual shifts (unless your numbers are for the manual shifts).
Just for curiosity, how are you testing your 1/4 mile times, on the strip or using something like a G-Tech?
Pete
During my test drive I drove it hard to understand the on-ramp performance, turning capability and braking distance (among other things), that way I wouldn't be surprised after I bought it.
This is definately not a car for the track, but you may be able to get a little faster if you use the manual shifts (unless your numbers are for the manual shifts).
Just for curiosity, how are you testing your 1/4 mile times, on the strip or using something like a G-Tech?
Pete
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My middle son drives a 2003 Cadillac DTS and we were following each other one day coming back from the warhouse. We got to a red light and he pulls up next to me and jokingly revs his engine. When the light turned green, we both took off till about 60mph... my son had about 3/4 of a car length on me by that time! I was shocked that the RL could not take his heavy Cadillac off the line, but then again he had the V8 torque. The RL "feels" faster that what it is capable of because his Cadillac does not feel that powerful when I drive it.
I did not buy this car for power and I hope many did not buy it for that reason. This is a mid-level luxury vehicle meant for daily driving and comfort. When I want power I get in my T/A or 455 powered Buick
I did not buy this car for power and I hope many did not buy it for that reason. This is a mid-level luxury vehicle meant for daily driving and comfort. When I want power I get in my T/A or 455 powered Buick
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Originally Posted by petemc
???Didn't you test drive the car before you bought it???
During my test drive I drove it hard to understand the on-ramp performance, turning capability and braking distance (among other things), that way I wouldn't be surprised after I bought it.
This is definately not a car for the track, but you may be able to get a little faster if you use the manual shifts (unless your numbers are for the manual shifts).
Just for curiosity, how are you testing your 1/4 mile times, on the strip or using something like a G-Tech?
Pete
During my test drive I drove it hard to understand the on-ramp performance, turning capability and braking distance (among other things), that way I wouldn't be surprised after I bought it.
This is definately not a car for the track, but you may be able to get a little faster if you use the manual shifts (unless your numbers are for the manual shifts).
Just for curiosity, how are you testing your 1/4 mile times, on the strip or using something like a G-Tech?
Pete
#5
yeah the RL does feel sometimes a little sluggish, but when I need to rev the engine I just put the peddle to the metal. The RL does respond and very well. You need to be in the 4000-5000 RPM range to feel the power. Kind of strange for a luxury car, but I've owned Honda's & Acura's so this is expected.
#6
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Originally Posted by fugazi
Of course I test drove the car. I didn't have a sense of 1/4 mile time- I just figured with 300hp it would be running somewhere in the 14's at least, I can't tell the difference between a 14 and 15 second 1/4 mile while test driving. I was reading other people's 1/4 mile times, as well as C&D's report... 15.1 seems to be the lowest. It's not like I'm dissapointed in it or anything... I'm just humored.
I think you'll be surprised by some of the power, especially in third and fourth gear. I'm getting to around 1,500 miles on mine and starting to drive more aggressively in some situations. Not as quick as my 04 TL, but plenty for my tastes.
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#8
I have no real complaints about the speed. It is good for this sized car. I would like to see a faster RL - in a coupe form - with IMA and an air suspension. When I want to feel the road the suspension can adapt and when I want to feel like im driving a floaty lexus, it can do that. my dream car. Until then, I am more than satisfied with my RL.
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Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Acceleration is hardly the strong suit of the RL. Handling is.
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Originally Posted by fugazi
Before I got this car I was thinking to myself, "Sure it's as heavy as a small tank, but it's got 300 hp." But dang, this thing is slow! 15.2 seems to be the average 1/4 mile time. Someone tell me I'm dreaming I'm not really mad or anything, I just think it's funny that it's so slow. I think it's making me age prematurely.
you know 15.2 is not bad, you can always blame it on the driver.
#12
Originally Posted by fugazi
Before I got this car I was thinking to myself, "Sure it's as heavy as a small tank, but it's got 300 hp." But dang, this thing is slow! 15.2 seems to be the average 1/4 mile time. Someone tell me I'm dreaming I'm not really mad or anything, I just think it's funny that it's so slow. I think it's making me age prematurely.
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Well, 260 foot pounds of torque + AWD = The feeling of a V6 Accord
Not slow, not blazingly fast but quicky enough IMO.
Not slow, not blazingly fast but quicky enough IMO.
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Well, 260 foot pounds of torque + AWD = The feeling of a V6 Accord
Not slow, not blazingly fast but quicky enough IMO.
Not slow, not blazingly fast but quicky enough IMO.
#17
Originally Posted by Bitium
It really slow, I mean is like a tank. I was actually expecting like 10 second 1/4 mile.
you know 15.2 is not bad, you can always blame it on the driver.
you know 15.2 is not bad, you can always blame it on the driver.
There's not much you can do with an automatic. Maybe brake torque.
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Originally Posted by psteng19
Maybe if it came with standard shift.
There's not much you can do with an automatic. Maybe brake torque.
There's not much you can do with an automatic. Maybe brake torque.
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The RL's power is just right for what it's supposed to be. Anyone interested in 1/4 mile times should look elsewhere. This is not a race car. It's got enough power to drive with confidence but is economical enough to be reasonably stingy with fuel when the driver does its part.
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It is faster than the BMW and Mercedes 6's in both the 1/4 and 0-60. It is only 1 second slower than the M45 to 60 and keeps that 1 second difference in the 1/4. I am very happy with the overall performance of this car. I have the 18" wheels and love the handling of this car. The AWD makes a night and day difference over the predecessor.
There are definitely faster cars out there, but I believe Acura has done a great job balancing the comfort vs performance qualities of this car. It would be nice to have some sort of adaptive suspension for a smoother freeway ride and a stiffer performance ride. The ride definitely feels firmer than that on my 2000 RL, but I much prefer the ride of the 2005.
Kris
There are definitely faster cars out there, but I believe Acura has done a great job balancing the comfort vs performance qualities of this car. It would be nice to have some sort of adaptive suspension for a smoother freeway ride and a stiffer performance ride. The ride definitely feels firmer than that on my 2000 RL, but I much prefer the ride of the 2005.
Kris
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Nocturnal said: "The RL's power is just right for what it's supposed to be. Anyone interested in 1/4 mile times should look elsewhere. This is not a race car. "
Absolutely true.
Brought my almost 3-yo son home today from school in my new RL (front-facing child seats).
In my 'punchy' BMW 5-series (MY00), I would've been smacking his head around a bit in the seat. IN the RL, with it's lower initial torque off the line, I can more easily modulate acceleration from start.
Meaning, my kid's head doesn't flop around like it used to in my old car.
Absolutely true.
Brought my almost 3-yo son home today from school in my new RL (front-facing child seats).
In my 'punchy' BMW 5-series (MY00), I would've been smacking his head around a bit in the seat. IN the RL, with it's lower initial torque off the line, I can more easily modulate acceleration from start.
Meaning, my kid's head doesn't flop around like it used to in my old car.
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If you really want some performance in a sedan you should consider the Mercedes CLS55. That may be out of the price range some of us are comfortable with. If you want to stay in the 40 something price range, you will be hard pressed to find a sedan with the features and performance this car has. You need to get on the back roads to really appreciate the capabilities of this car. I find this car to be just a much fun as a sports car on a windy mountain road. I owned a Legend and 2000 RL prior to the 05 and there is absolutely no comparison with the way this car drives.
Kris
Kris
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The way I see it is if people just want super quick acceleration and awd then go get the Mits Evolution.
I really dont see why the RL wouldnt be adequate for some simply based on it does the job for daily driving but hey, to each their own.
I really dont see why the RL wouldnt be adequate for some simply based on it does the job for daily driving but hey, to each their own.
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you bought an RL to drag race or what? seriously, who gives a crap about 1/4 mile times. i drive a 98 3.2TL. i have no idea what it runs in the 1/4 mile. it's probably really slow. however, in normal street and highway driving, the car is just fine. there is plenty of power.
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Originally Posted by Rob L
The way I see it is if people just want super quick acceleration and awd then go get the Mits Evolution.
I really dont see why the RL wouldnt be adequate for some simply based on it does the job for daily driving but hey, to each their own.
I really dont see why the RL wouldnt be adequate for some simply based on it does the job for daily driving but hey, to each their own.
[whisper]Because they feel they need to compensate for something with a big motor and speed[/whisper]
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Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
[whisper]Because they feel they need to compensate for something with a big motor and speed[/whisper]
Sad...but so true. hehehe
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Originally Posted by kgd
You need to get on the back roads to really appreciate the capabilities of this car. I find this car to be just a much fun as a sports car on a windy mountain road.Kris
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Originally Posted by 1HOT NSX
I definitely agree with the first statement and I almost agree with the second. In spite of the wonderful handling of the RL it is not as much fun to drive on a winding mountain road as a full blown sports car is. Having said that, the driving experience is so different that I guess it would depend on what your definition of fun is.
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I was comparing the mountain driving to a Porsche 996. They are indeed very different but I really enjoy driving both. I do have the 18" wheels with the Michelin Pilot Sports, which definitely does a better job than the factory 17's. I do use the manual mode which does a better job of keeping you in the right gear. The only problem is that it is so quiet you really need to watch the tach to know when to shift, but that is not a bad thing.
Kris
Kris
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Originally Posted by iNteGraz92
you bought an RL to drag race or what? seriously, who gives a crap about 1/4 mile times. i drive a 98 3.2TL. i have no idea what it runs in the 1/4 mile. it's probably really slow. however, in normal street and highway driving, the car is just fine. there is plenty of power.
I've shaved off more than a second off that
But yes, the RL is not meant for such foolishness. Its about class, comfort, style and features. It just happens to have a bit of oomph to it as a bonus
#33
What a bunch of nonsense!
If I had wanted to haul bricks, a refrigerator or stove or any other high weighted item, I would have bought a truck. But that is not what I wanted.
If I wanted teeth-rattling gravity-pulling acceleration, I would have bought a high performance muscle car. But that is not what I wanted.
What I wanted was a reasonably priced luxury car that smoothed out the bumps in the road, handled hazards quickly and safely, allowed me to drive the speed-limited city streets and freeways with the power needed in climate controlled comfort regardless of season. I also wanted a navigation system that took me where I wanted to go. I got all of these things in my 2005 RL.
The RL does not cloak itself in camouflage. No one takes it for an F-150 pickup, exotic car, super-expensive top-of-the-line Mercedes, or a Corvette. The RL appeals to all kinds of age groups - that have the means to buy a $50K automobile.
I have stated in other threads that I have had a great number of automobiles ranging in price from the very modest to the very expensive; from limited to powerful engine size; from types and styles beginning with a 1929 chopped Ford coupe to a large luxury BMW 750IL. Regardless, my 2005 RL fits me the best of any car I have ever owned. This seems to be true for many of you.
To you who complain about minor RL failures, I think you have every right to expect the dealership to correct the problem. To you who are serious in complaining about what you perceive as a lack of power or this or that in the RL, I think you did not do your homework before buying. The RL is what it is and I am glad for it because it is just what I want in a car.
If I had wanted to haul bricks, a refrigerator or stove or any other high weighted item, I would have bought a truck. But that is not what I wanted.
If I wanted teeth-rattling gravity-pulling acceleration, I would have bought a high performance muscle car. But that is not what I wanted.
What I wanted was a reasonably priced luxury car that smoothed out the bumps in the road, handled hazards quickly and safely, allowed me to drive the speed-limited city streets and freeways with the power needed in climate controlled comfort regardless of season. I also wanted a navigation system that took me where I wanted to go. I got all of these things in my 2005 RL.
The RL does not cloak itself in camouflage. No one takes it for an F-150 pickup, exotic car, super-expensive top-of-the-line Mercedes, or a Corvette. The RL appeals to all kinds of age groups - that have the means to buy a $50K automobile.
I have stated in other threads that I have had a great number of automobiles ranging in price from the very modest to the very expensive; from limited to powerful engine size; from types and styles beginning with a 1929 chopped Ford coupe to a large luxury BMW 750IL. Regardless, my 2005 RL fits me the best of any car I have ever owned. This seems to be true for many of you.
To you who complain about minor RL failures, I think you have every right to expect the dealership to correct the problem. To you who are serious in complaining about what you perceive as a lack of power or this or that in the RL, I think you did not do your homework before buying. The RL is what it is and I am glad for it because it is just what I want in a car.
#34
Originally Posted by shepsan
What a bunch of nonsense!
If I had wanted to haul bricks, a refrigerator or stove or any other high weighted item, I would have bought a truck. But that is not what I wanted.
If I wanted teeth-rattling gravity-pulling acceleration, I would have bought a high performance muscle car. But that is not what I wanted.
What I wanted was a reasonably priced luxury car that smoothed out the bumps in the road, handled hazards quickly and safely, allowed me to drive the speed-limited city streets and freeways with the power needed in climate controlled comfort regardless of season. I also wanted a navigation system that took me where I wanted to go. I got all of these things in my 2005 RL.
The RL does not cloak itself in camouflage. No one takes it for an F-150 pickup, exotic car, super-expensive top-of-the-line Mercedes, or a Corvette. The RL appeals to all kinds of age groups - that have the means to buy a $50K automobile.
I have stated in other threads that I have had a great number of automobiles ranging in price from the very modest to the very expensive; from limited to powerful engine size; from types and styles beginning with a 1929 chopped Ford coupe to a large luxury BMW 750IL. Regardless, my 2005 RL fits me the best of any car I have ever owned. This seems to be true for many of you.
To you who complain about minor RL failures, I think you have every right to expect the dealership to correct the problem. To you who are serious in complaining about what you perceive as a lack of power or this or that in the RL, I think you did not do your homework before buying. The RL is what it is and I am glad for it because it is just what I want in a car.
If I had wanted to haul bricks, a refrigerator or stove or any other high weighted item, I would have bought a truck. But that is not what I wanted.
If I wanted teeth-rattling gravity-pulling acceleration, I would have bought a high performance muscle car. But that is not what I wanted.
What I wanted was a reasonably priced luxury car that smoothed out the bumps in the road, handled hazards quickly and safely, allowed me to drive the speed-limited city streets and freeways with the power needed in climate controlled comfort regardless of season. I also wanted a navigation system that took me where I wanted to go. I got all of these things in my 2005 RL.
The RL does not cloak itself in camouflage. No one takes it for an F-150 pickup, exotic car, super-expensive top-of-the-line Mercedes, or a Corvette. The RL appeals to all kinds of age groups - that have the means to buy a $50K automobile.
I have stated in other threads that I have had a great number of automobiles ranging in price from the very modest to the very expensive; from limited to powerful engine size; from types and styles beginning with a 1929 chopped Ford coupe to a large luxury BMW 750IL. Regardless, my 2005 RL fits me the best of any car I have ever owned. This seems to be true for many of you.
To you who complain about minor RL failures, I think you have every right to expect the dealership to correct the problem. To you who are serious in complaining about what you perceive as a lack of power or this or that in the RL, I think you did not do your homework before buying. The RL is what it is and I am glad for it because it is just what I want in a car.
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Originally Posted by shepsan
What a bunch of nonsense!
To you who complain about minor RL failures, I think you have every right to expect the dealership to correct the problem. To you who are serious in complaining about what you perceive as a lack of power or this or that in the RL, I think you did not do your homework before buying. The RL is what it is and I am glad for it because it is just what I want in a car.
To you who complain about minor RL failures, I think you have every right to expect the dealership to correct the problem. To you who are serious in complaining about what you perceive as a lack of power or this or that in the RL, I think you did not do your homework before buying. The RL is what it is and I am glad for it because it is just what I want in a car.
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Originally Posted by iNteGraz92
you bought an RL to drag race or what? seriously, who gives a crap about 1/4 mile times. i drive a 98 3.2TL. i have no idea what it runs in the 1/4 mile. it's probably really slow. however, in normal street and highway driving, the car is just fine. there is plenty of power.
#38
Originally Posted by fugazi
No, I bought a RL because I like the car. I was just commenting that it was so slow for having so much power. I agree, there is plenty of power. Re-read my initial post if you need to. I find 300hp and a 15.2 1/4 mile to be funny. I love this car.
Starting 300 HP without looking at the nax torque means you don't have the whole picture. You need both numbers to get a true idea of a car's performance potential.
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Originally Posted by Rich in NC
Starting 300 HP without looking at the nax torque means you don't have the whole picture. You need both numbers to get a true idea of a car's performance potential.